Maybe the AMA site should have a buletin board?

[Jim Poor]

That way all the political infighting and backstabbing could go on in a members only forum. If I had read these threads before I joined, I simply wouldn't have. An AMA forum is a good idea at RCGroups, but the so-called "discussions" that have dominated this area are doing more harm to the AMA than the people participating in them could ever imagine.

I'd like to see all this garbage moved to an AMA members only area on the AMA site. That way people who give a rats pitootie about the politics can go view if they want.

Save RC groups for the more positive, public friendly news like

"This is what the AMA did for me today." or
"Wow, that AMA insurance really came in handy."

Anything but what's been going on so far.

There is now a venue for requesting new forums at RC groups. Maybe there should be one for suggesting that a forum be shut down, or at least the rules modified.

[Prestidigitator]

Jim Poor,

Well said!

Instead of being directed to a page that explains the benefits, it would be nice to read about some real life stuff.

~presto

pitootie – so that’s how you spell it. lol

[Jim Poor]

"That's how you spell it" just a guess LOL

[Karl B²]

Originally posted by Jim Poor
the so-called "discussions" that have dominated this area are doing more harm to the AMA than the people participating in them could ever imagine.
Wholeheartedly agree. Egos are being served here, not modeling interests. Too often I hear excuses saying, "this isn't representative of the AMA as a whole." My own challenge for contributors to make an effort to fill this forum with positive information was met with more politicking, name calling, and excuses.

"If you want to know what the real AMA is about, plunk down your money." Sorry, first impressions and all, you know.

If it was one person yapping away, tilting at windmills, he could be ignored and would quickly go away. Unfortunately, the apologists' apparent need to counter his mudslinging with bucketloads of their own just make a mess. Like I once said: as a modeler, get off my side.

Karl
:rolleyes:

[ICTHRMLS]

Originally posted by Jim Poor
Save RC groups for the more positive, public friendly news like
Oh, like the ones in OTD?? :D

[ICTHRMLS]

Originally posted by Prestidigitator
Instead of being directed to a page that explains the benefits, it would be nice to read about some real life stuff.
As you indicated in your Open Discusion post, you read "a few posts" in this forum I thought I would direct you to those benefits posted in case you missed what I considered a good synopsis of what AMA had to offer. Perhaps others reading the OD thread would check it out too. Referenced Post (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1370633#post1370633) As I said... If you still feel the same... no hard feelings and good flying - If you want real live stuff here goes.

Our club just held a three day AMA sanctioned contest. the sanction provides for certain assurances that no similar contest will be held within a geographical region during that time period. If you don't fly in competitions this means nothing to you but having this sanction in place boosts attendence and the contest gets national exposure in listings. We drew over 40 pilots from four states. Our flying site was rather "high profile" and AMA sanctioning requirements (with others) helped us secure the use of this field. While the vast majority of AMA members do not compete it is often the competition's equipment and achievements that advance this hobby. AMA makes this happen to a large degree.

[Jim Poor]

I'm not saying AMA in itself is bad. What I'm saying is, that all the political bickering and infighting should be done in a "members only" venue. That way, people wont be discouraged by all the negative garbage that's popped up in the AMA Forum. Keep the forum open, just keep the politics out! Use it to promote AMA and show people the good side instead of using it for people to show their backsides.

[Mindblade]

Throwing in my 2 cents-

If this kind of political content will be found there, DONT. *DO NOT* have another BB. You'll just scare people away.

[Don Sims]

Tres and I are spending a lot of time moving the political posts to their own thread for the most part. Once the newer members learn the standards of the site things should settle down.

Threads like this and a few of the other recient ones are great ones and we appreciate the support of the site members.
Don

[Jim Poor]

Mindblade,
That's why it should be a "members only" thread. Prospective new members won't be able to get to it until they are registered. Then, they are more likely to stay. That's how it went with me. If I had read all this first, I wouldn't have joined. But since it all came out after the fact, I'm not going to cancel over it, but it does run off new prospects.

[SAPropbuster]

SO, Jim Poor, since you have read all the 'bickering & fussing" going on here, has it changed you opinion of the Academy? Has it effected anything the Academy offers you? Are you going to renew you membership when it come time?
Or is it some of the Members that you have changed opinions about.
I'd be willing to bet the latter. In ANY organization there will be the do'ers and the "B&F"'ers... It is just too easy to "B&F" on the WWW!
I sit with a full salt shaker when reading these forums. Maybe you should too.:D

[Jim Poor]

I'm not important in the grand scheme of things. I'm talking more about what's good for business (AKA new membership). People are being run off. If these people REALLY care about the organization, they would not air the dirty laundry in public.

Assuming that's you in the picture, I'm sure you'll understand the comparrison of Officers and NCOs screaming at each other in front of the troops. Not very professional.

[Don Sims]

Actually it looks like the LTC that I know who would love to hang from the pod of an A-10!!

Fred, is that you???